There’s something heartwarming about a pie that has been passed down through generations. Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Walnut Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is not just a dessert; it’s a tribute to family traditions and treasured memories. This pie, with its luscious creamy filling and the delightful crunch of walnuts, is a nostalgic reminder of cozy family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The graham cracker crust adds a sweet, buttery note that beautifully complements the rich walnut filling, making this an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a quiet evening at home, this pie is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Each bite transports you back to simpler times, embodying the love and care that goes into homemade desserts. It’s not just the pie itself but also the stories shared around it that make it truly special, creating bonds that span generations.

Ingredients

• For the Graham Cracker Crust:
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• For the Walnut Cream Filling:
  • 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup milk
• For Topping:
  • Whipped cream
  • Chopped walnuts (optional, for garnish)

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated, ensuring that no dry patches remain. This mixture should resemble wet sand, which will help it hold together when pressed into the pan.
2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to compact the crust evenly, ensuring a solid base that will hold the filling. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden, watching closely to avoid burning. The crust should be fragrant and slightly firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely to maintain its crisp texture.
3. Make the Walnut Cream Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup of milk. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to simmer gently without boiling. The goal is to soften the walnuts and release their rich flavors. Remove from heat when the walnuts are fragrant and slightly softened, setting the stage for a delightful filling.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until thoroughly combined. This mixture should have a smooth, silky texture, free of lumps, which will create the creaminess that defines Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Walnut Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust.
5. Gradually stir the walnut mixture into the cream mixture until fully integrated. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes or until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. The filling is ready when it forms a ribbon when drizzled, ensuring a rich and creamy consistency.
6. Pour the walnut cream filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula, ensuring even distribution, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow it to set properly and enhance the flavors. This resting period is essential for the filling to achieve the perfect sliceable consistency.
7. Serve: Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts if desired for added texture. Slice and enjoy this sweet and nutty dessert that brings a taste of tradition to your table! Pair it with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure the perfect consistency of the filling, make sure to stir continuously while it thickens over low heat, as this prevents lumps from forming. If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk according to your taste preferences, adding more for a richer flavor. When storing, cover the pie with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness and to protect it from absorbing odors in the refrigerator. This pie can be made a day in advance, making it a perfect option for holiday gatherings or family celebrations, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. For an elegant presentation, consider adding chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream. You can learn more about this topic and explore other delightful variations of this classic dessert.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Walnut Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is a delightful blend of nostalgia and flavor that is sure to impress your family and friends. This easy pie recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a way to bring your loved ones together with a taste of tradition. Give it a try, and savor the sweet memories it brings! Check out our related guide for more tips on creating memorable desserts that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Walnut Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Recipe by amine

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 8 +

⏱️

Prep Time

20 min

🍳

Cook Time

10 min

🔥

Calories

350 kcal

There's something heartwarming about a pie that has been passed down through generations. Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Walnut Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is not just a dessert; it's a tribute to family traditions and treasured memories. This pie, with its luscious creamy filling and the delightful crunch of walnuts, is a nostalgic reminder of cozy family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup milk
• Whipped cream
• Chopped walnuts (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

2.

Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

3.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup of milk. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

4.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth.

5.

Gradually stir the walnut mixture into the cream mixture. Return to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes or until thickened.

6.

Pour the walnut cream filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.

7.

Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 350 kcal